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So you have wanderlust, and your favorite song is “Don’t Fence Me In.” That doesn’t mean you can’t have a little homestead of your own, complete with an engaging border. If the neighbors object to your choice of materials, you might have to check with your HOA about rules governing fencing.

With curvy tops of latticework, these 6-foot-wide modular fence panels wave “hello” every time you see them. Made of weather-resistant, pressure-treated wood, unfinished panels will last for years and will slowly turn a mellow gray color. Cost: $50 to $150 per panel.

If your fence design seems a bit dull, maybe you need to go back to the drawing board and sketch in a little fun. A chalkboard and a platform deck makes this fence a portal to imaginative playtime. Rain won’t hurt the board, but keep chalk in a waterproof container. Expect to pay $400 for a 42-by-60-inch chalkboard made for exterior use.

So you have wanderlust, and your favorite song is “Don’t Fence Me In.” That doesn’t mean you can’t have a little homestead of your own, complete with an engaging border. If the neighbors object to your choice of materials, you might have to check with your HOA about rules governing fencing.

Fences are a great way to define your pets’ territory, and to keep them from wandering. But solid fences restrict an animal’s natural curiosity. This PetPeek porthole gives Bowser lots of exciting things to see, but keeps unwanted pests, such as deer, out of your yard when B’s not on patrol.

If you like color and fashionable design, you might want to pencil in a fence that reflects your artistic side. Make your own lower-cost version of this fence with pressure-treated poles — available at home improvement centers and ranch supply stores for about $1 per foot. You’ll need to repaint every 3 to 4 years.

Show off your green quotient with a living fence made of trees or shrubs. Fast-growing hedge-like plants include Leyland cypress, American holly, English laurel, and Wichita blue juniper. Your local state extension service can recommend plants that are particularly well-suited to your region.

Wood, metal, and vinyl are all fine fencing options, but why settle for the ordinary? A fence made of frosted glass panels says you aren’t afraid to be different. You’ll want to be sure you’re not above the law, though. Check your local building codes and your HOA for restrictions on fence height and materials.

As the upfront ambassador of your house and property, your fence has a lot to say about your personality, and even your personal interests. Salvaged materials, such as these timeworn surfboards, might save on costs.

Credit: Maui Surfboard Fence

Woven willow fences characterize the landscapes of the British Isles, where natural materials are still widely used as garden fences, gates, and swimming pool enclosures, even in the most sophisticated settings.

Awesome article!A fence is often a wonderful way to attract attention to your home, which adds privacy and structure to your garden with stylish and practical fence ideas. If you want to create a private space in your yard, look around before you build a fence. You might be able to use existing structures to create privacy.

Posted by Elizabeth on June 16, 2014

This could be a Solution: ☼
I spend money to improve my lawn and have it cared for... My neighbor whose girlfriend owns the home and is very nice is my dilemma. He mows with a low blade and encroaches on my side which my lawn care services informs me is ruining any progress. Now I am trying to determine the best solution-s. I previously marked with wooden stakes and a colored string which eventually fell... Upon his actions of mowing on my side again, I reinstalled the string and new wooden stakes... It nearly came to blows but thanks to my little dog didn't happen. If I might ask what solutions would be recommend, please help... Thanks, Rixar

Posted by Rixar on June 06, 2014

These are Great! Just remember that some of these are not going to work for some locations. The living fence won't work in cold climates unless you use some kind of evergreen. The glass one is a good example of this as well, I would never put up that kind of fence unless I lived in a gated community with a security guard. That fence in MY neighborhood would be just begging to have someone take a window hammer to it (those little hammers made for breaking car windows in case you drive into a lake.)
I really love the "rustic" one thought. I so wish I had the talent to make a fence like that, you NEVER see anything like that around here.

Posted by dont on May 22, 2014

Tree Hugger...It is exactly what we did to create a patio in the front. We follow the sun -or not -between our front and back patio. Also, having a patio in front invites the neighbors to sit and chat when they see you AND takes away the grass therefore cutting the water bill. The hedge invites honey bees and humming birds.

Posted by jan on April 24, 2012

Artsy Style Fence, Love it!

Posted by Melanie Pralle on February 25, 2012

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